STALNAKER LOG CABIN RESTORATION

The Jacob Stalnaker Jr. cabin, which has stood on a rise south of Beverly West Virginia for 200 years, now has a new home in the Beverly Historic district. The cabin was moved in fall 1996 from its location across from the Bruce Hardwood plant to the lot behind the Randolph County Museum in Beverly. Donation are desperately needed to continue the restoration work on the cabin. Once completed, the cabin will be open to the public as part of the Randolph County Museum.

Cabin on the Originial Site (left) and as it stands today (right).
    

The two-story log structure was disassembled and rebuilt, log by log, in its new location. Ed Brown of Twin Springs Company, Greenville, West Virginia was responsible for the moving project. Ed Stalnaker, president of the Stalnaker Association, arranged for the moving and oversaw the entire restoration project. The funds were from Chronolgy book sales, donations and additional restoration expenses have been covered by Randolph County Historical Society (RCHS). The cabin is unusual in that it has an extended section beyond the two-story log structure that was completed with timber-frame construction. Long sills and beams that are a part of the log structure made up the framework for these additional rooms. The cabin has been reassembled as close as possible to its original cabin 1790-1800 configuration.

The Stalnaker families were among the first permanent settlers to the Tygarts Valley in 1772, and owned land in the valley before that. This cabin was the home of Jacob Stalnaker, Jr., who came with his father in the original settlement.

Cabin 2001 (left), chinking 2002 (middle), cabin 2003 (right) and inside 2006 (below).
         

       
Portrait of Columbus Webster Stalnaker born August 28, 1855, died April 1, 1940 and Aramintie E. Arbogast Stalnaker, born April 7, 1855, died September 22, 1919, married September 29, 1877. Given by Virginia Riggleman Stalnaker.

This cabin is not only significant for its historic connection with the Stalnaker family and early Randolph County history; it is currently the only early log cabin in Randolph County that will be available for public tours. Both large and small donations are needed to help us save this unique structure for us all to enjoy.

With the donations we received this past year, we were able to install the front porch with shake shingles. The porch was a much needed item that helps protect the building and its visitors from the weather. Additional funds also provided treatment and sealing of the exterior logs. A special thank you to Sandy and Dan Wilson for their generous donations and assistance in obtaining, delivering and arranging many wonderful period pieces for the interior of the cabin.

            

           

Donations of interior items include:
A brass and silver faced 1730 John Clay grandfather's clock in working order. The clock is oringinal oak with a polished finish.
Brass bed warmer has a wooden handle with period design on the brass coal cradle.
Original field cradle found in Sistersville, WVA with original paint.
The Stalnaker family spinning wheel with intricate woodworking and original paint.
A 100+ year old basket made by a Stalnaker family member.
Two rugs: 6' X 9' Native American/Turkish designed wool rug for the master bedroom.
11' X 10' colorful 1/2" thick braided rug for the first floor.

In spite of our good fortune, there is still much to be accomplished in the cabin. Future phases include completion of the cabin's stairwell and adding flooring to the loft. The exterior will also need to receive another application of sealant to protect the logs. We believe that $4,000 will be needed to complete these projects. For more information about the fundraising efforts and renovation needs go to fundraising.
Donations are tax-deductible, and should be made to the Stalnaker Cabin Fund, Randolph County Historical Society. Please send donations, or for more information, or to help with the restoration contact
Edgar Stalnaker, Cabin Restoration Project Director
P.O. Box 616
Mill Creek, WV 26280
(304) 335-2643
edstalnaker@webtv.net
RCHS - Randolph County Historical Society
P.O. Box 1164
Elkins, WV 26241
(304) 637-7424